THE RELIGION OF HUMANITY: Islam’s Ethical and Spiritual Outlook

I then asked, ‘O Prophet of Islam, what is the best form of migration (hijrah)?’ He replied, ‘The migration of the one who abandons all evil.’” (Sahih Ibn Hibban, Hadith No. 807) This hadith clearly shows the type of human being Islam aims to cultivate—a person who demonstrates the highest level of moral character in dealings with others. A person who is so aware of their responsibilities that they never hurt anyone with their words, nor cause harm with their hands. A person who willingly abandons any habit or behaviour that carries the slightest trace of wrongdoing. In reality, a good Muslim is simply a good human being. Islam is, at its heart, a religion of human refinement. Its purpose is the purification of thoughts and the correction of behaviour. One who truly embodies Islam in their life naturally becomes a good human being. A life empty of goodness is, in fact, a life empty of Islam. A UNIVERSAL PRINCIPLE The most straightforward principle of religion and humanity is this: Treat others in the same way that you would like to be treated. The Prophet of Islam said: “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 13)